Valentine’s Day surprise: Kalyan RTO officials reward 400 disciplined bikers with roses

This Valentine’s Day, a 40-member team visited various places in Kalyan (West), from Agra Road to Poornima Talkies, and handed roses to 400 bikers

Kalyan regional transport office (RTO) officials came up with a unique way to reward motorists following rules on Wednesday. This Valentine’s Day, a 40-member team visited various places in Kalyan (West), from Agra Road to Poornima Talkies, and handed roses to 400 bikers.

A motorist poses with the rose he was given by the Kalyan RTO officials on Wednesday. (Rishikesh Choudhary)

“The police usually stop and fine motorists who don’t follow the rules. I was amazed as they stopped me and greeted me with a rose. It is rare for authorities to show kindness to commuters who follow the rules, as they are occupied with catching law breakers. I am sure this will motivate many to use their helmets and seat belts while driving,”said Sanjay Mane, a motorist who took Agra Road in Kalyan (West) on Wednesday morning.

The RTO officials and passenger associations sought to specifically reward the youth. “This is the best occasion to praise commuters who follow the norms. Many youngsters follow the rules of the road and so we decided to greet them with a rose as a way of spreading our message. We also greeted autorickshaw drivers who were found to be following traffic norms,”said Rajendra Phadke, president of the passenger association.

The authorities also visited two colleges in the area and asked students to wear a helmet. The students and their teachers took an oath to follow traffic norms.